Happy Birthday Ivy
Today we celebrate our sweet little foster fail Ivy, who turns 12 years old. We could not be more stoked to share this day with her and with all of you who have followed her journey.
We first fostered Ivy through S.N.O.R.T. Rescue a couple of years ago, right when our beloved Elsa was still recovering from her brain tumor treatment. Honestly, I was not thrilled at the idea of bringing another dog into the house at that time because I wanted Elsa to get all of our attention. But my wife Sarah had her heart set on fostering, so I reluctantly agreed. Two days later, my kiddo and I were already whispering to each other, “do you think Sarah will let us keep her.”
It only took 48 hours for Ivy to win us over completely. This fat little one eyed gremlin was still healing from her eye removal surgery and was snorting like a piglet, waddling around the house, and absolutely melting our hearts. Elsa was not exactly amused, but she tolerated her new sister. And just like that, Ivy became family.
Not long after, our house burned down. I remember the flames on the roof, grabbing both Elsa and Ivy, and putting them in the neighbors yard while we sat there in shock, watching our lives burn away. The four of us bounced between hotels, lake houses, and campers before finally moving back into a rebuilt home a year later. Through it all, Ivy stuck with us as our constant little sidekick.
Then came more changes. Our kid left for college. Elsa’s tumor returned, and we lost her on Thanksgiving Eve. Ivy was suddenly an only child, and in many ways she became our whole world.
But heartbreak was not done with us yet. Just a few months later, Ivy had her first seizure in the car with me. The vet confirmed what we feared, which was a brain tumor just like Elsa. Only this time it came with violent seizures. Because of her age and what we had just endured with Elsa, surgery was not an option. All we could do was manage the seizures with round the clock medicine and care.
Back in May, a doctor told us Ivy probably would not live longer than three months. But here we are, four months later, celebrating her 12th birthday. Every single day with her feels like stolen time, and I am beyond grateful she is still here.
Ivy cannot be left alone anymore, and she cannot ride in the car. She requires constant attention. It is exhausting, scary, and heartbreaking, but I would not trade a second of it. She is our little Ivy, and she is worth it.
Ivy has not only become family, but also the unexpected face of Terrier Cvlt. She has been inspiring new merch drops left and right, and today for her 12th birthday I am dropping her brand new tarot card design. Every cent from today’s sales will go toward treats, toys, and spoiling Ivy rotten.
You can grab limited edition tees, prints, and more right now at terriercvlt.com.
Happy Birthday Ivy. We love you so much, and thank you for choosing us.
#IvyForever #ElsaForever #TerrierCvlt